A web of political intrigue and potential foreign influence is unraveling, leaving many wondering: How deep does the rabbit hole go?
Three more members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Nigel Farage's bloc are accused of following a script allegedly provided by a Russian asset. This revelation adds to the growing list of individuals allegedly influenced by Reform UK's former Wales leader, Nathan Gill, who was recently jailed for accepting bribes to make pro-Russia statements. But here's where it gets controversial: these MEPs are not accused of criminal acts, and there's no evidence they knew about Gill's bribes.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) named Jonathan Bullock, Julia Reid, and Steven Woolfe as those who followed the script given to Gill by Oleg Voloshyn, a former Ukrainian MEP accused of bribery. The script was used during interviews with a pro-Russian TV channel, 112 Ukraine, in March 2019.
The investigation has revealed a broader pattern of Gill's efforts to co-opt at least eight MEPs from Ukip and the Brexit Party to carry out tasks for his Kremlin paymasters. This has raised fresh concerns about Gill's reach, especially after his recent imprisonment.
The Labour Party has called on Farage to assist investigators voluntarily, as the police continue their probe. Anna Turley, the chair of the Labour Party, urged Farage to initiate an inquiry into pro-Russia links within Reform UK and offer his cooperation to the police.
In a related development, David Coburn, a former leading member of Farage's group and ex-leader of Ukip in Scotland, denied receiving money to promote Russian interests. Coburn was mentioned in WhatsApp messages between Gill and Voloshyn, discussing potential payments. Coburn refuted these claims when confronted by the BBC.
The messages, sent in April 2019, preceded a meeting of the 112 Ukraine editorial board at the European Parliament, which included Gill and Coburn. This board was connected to Viktor Medvedchuk, a close ally of Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.
Jonathan Bullock, when approached, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed his comments about nation-state sovereignty were standard for his role as an energy spokesperson. Bullock's transcript from the channel reveals his belief in individual nation-state actions, citing examples from Ukraine and the UK.
Bullock, known for his criticism of Russia, asserted that his comment was typical and aligned with his energy-related views on UK nuclear power and renewable choices.
Steven Woolfe declined to comment, but a friend stated that the police had never contacted him. Woolfe, it seems, was drawn in due to his interest in free speech, a topic Gill knew he was passionate about.
Julia Reid did not respond to requests for comment.
Ethan Wilkinson, Gill's former office head in Brussels, also denied receiving payments. CPS documents, however, suggest Voloshyn intended to reward Wilkinson for his 'fieldwork'. Wilkinson, who later worked for the TaxPayer's Alliance and ran as a Conservative candidate, claimed he believed his work was legitimate and had no idea of Voloshyn's Russian intelligence ties or Gill's payments.
The CPS note also mentions Jonathan Arnott, who traveled to Ukraine with Gill in October 2018. Arnott, Coburn, and Gill appeared on 112 Ukraine during this trip and later made similar statements in a European Parliament debate in December, addressing press freedom in Ukraine and its potential EU membership.
Arnott, who spoke to the police as a witness, denied any Russian links or acting in their interests.
Alex Phillips, a former Brexit Party MEP, voluntarily spoke to the police upon learning of the investigation. CPS notes suggest Gill intended to involve Phillips, but she has emphasized her outspoken opposition to Putin.
James Wells, another Brexit Party MEP, was named in CPS notes regarding a September 2019 intervention by Gill. Gill sought lines from Voloshyn for a human rights subcommittee meeting and later secured Wells' cooperation, according to WhatsApp messages. Gill treated Wells to dinner as a thank you, a gesture Voloshyn appreciated.
Wells, however, claims he was unaware of Gill's activities and that the police did not require an interview, confirming his innocence.
And this is the part most people miss: the investigation raises questions about the extent of Russian influence on European politics and the potential for covert operations to shape political discourse. With the ongoing police investigation, the full scope of this alleged influence remains to be seen. What do you think? Are these isolated incidents or signs of a broader, hidden agenda?
